For 14 years in Batavia and 50 years in West Chicago, Pal Joey’s Restaurant has been an integral part of the community. However, that fabric is now officially unraveling, as the owner has recently announced the restaurant’s imminent closure.
Three years after shutting down the West Chicago location, Pal Joeys‘ final day of business in Batavia will be Sunday, April 26.
Pal Joey’s is closing its doors this Sunday
According Shaw Local, Pal Joey’s has more than a decade of cherished moments in Batavia, from sports team pizza hangouts and first dates to birthday parties, community game nights, and wedding rehearsal dinners.
Owner John Hamel has been at the helm for the past 25 years. He oversaw the closure of the original West Chicago location in 2023 and played a key role in making the pizza joint a beloved presence in Batavia’s River Street community.
Hamel said in a social media post:
With so much pain, sadness and regret, I am announcing the closing of Pal Joey’s. We strived to be more than a place to eat. We made it our goal to be more for our guest and the community and tried to make a difference.
I’m so grateful for the memories we’ve made. Over the last 14 years, I can honestly say the entire Batavia community, as well as so many others from across the area, have been supported through our business, which makes me very proud.
There were various reasons that played a significant role in the decision to close, including rising property rents forced the business to relocate from its River Street location to Randall Road in 2018. However, the business returned to the River Street location in May 2022.
Pal Joey’s may not be gone for good. Hamel stated that in the future, he intends to open a carryout and catering space to continue serving pizza.